Overview
- The Bundeskartellamt approved joint development of a new main battle tank, informally dubbed the “Leopard 3,” to bridge capabilities until the Franco‑German MGCS program is due around 2045.
- Authority president Andreas Mundt said the Bundeswehr’s requirements could only be met by combining the companies’ capabilities and that competition would not be adversely affected.
- The decision expands an existing KNDS–Rheinmetall venture to cover the project, aiming to enable earlier fielding of vehicles before MGCS deliveries begin.
- Industry analysts say the clearance could open the door to deeper consolidation, including a possible Rheinmetall move into KNDS’s German operations, though any ownership changes remain unconfirmed and politically sensitive.
- Context for the rivalry: KNDS recently presented the Leopard 2A8, with Germany ordering 123 and roughly 400 orders reported across six countries, while Rheinmetall advances its KF51 Panther and a 130 mm gun that trade press suggest could be a candidate for the new tank.